Media
October 6, 2000
The St. Thomas Times Journal
Unmasking Mental Illness
The theme for Mental Illness Awareness Week (October 2-8, 2000) is "Unmasking Mental Illness: Working With Mental Illness."
In order to unmask mental illness the issue of stigma must be confronted if we are to demystify mental illness and the impact that it has on individuals. Patients often tell us that they feel stigmatized in employment and social settings by the way in which people talk to them, look at them and make assumptions about their abilities and their illness.
Mental illness affects individuals from all socioeconomic groups, from all walks of life and both men and women. Almost every family has been touched by mental illness and watched a loved one struggle with getting the help they need and regaining balance in their life. All too often people are defined by their illness and not as individuals first.
By unmasking mental illness and the fear of disclosing it, we can move towards becoming a more tolerant and accepting society that is willing to reach out and help those in need. There is hope though as many people with mental illness do get the treatment they need and are able to lead full and productive lives, often with the support of families, community based agencies and health practitioners. The use of language can further stigmatize individuals. For example, many people in their daily lives will make off-handed comments like "that's crazy, that's insane, you're bonkers, you're nuts."
The impact of such phrases serves to dehumanize and demoralize people with mental illness and makes them feel even worse because they take these comments personally and may believe that this is what people think of them as individuals.
The media often stereotypes individuals with mental illness as being violent, out of control, not responsible enough to take care of themselves and needing to be "forced to take medication" so that the public is not at risk.
This is a growing misconception that reinforces in the public's mind that those with mental illness are to be "feared".
However, these stereotypes are often far from the truth and a few well publicized cases where individuals with mental illness have caused harm to self or others are exploited by the media for their own purposes.
One of the goals of mental health reform is to ensure that individuals have access to treatment and support services when they require them and in their own community.
Presently, many patients have difficulty gaining access to the services and supports that they require and that best meets their needs.
The public needs to start demanding that the appropriate services be put in place so that we can support and empower people with mental illness in achieving their full potential.
Another solution would be to embark on a massive public education campaign that would eradicate stigma and the societal attitude towards mental illness changed and viewed in a more positive light. Schools need to educate children on all aspects of mental illness and how to maintain good mental health.
I would like to encourage everyone during Mental Illness Awareness Week to contact community agencies that provide services to individuals with mental illness to participate in activities and to challenge their own beliefs about mental illness, wellness and recovery.
By gaining an understanding of mental illness, stigma can be eradicated and the entire community will benefit from being tolerant, accepting and providing opportunities to individuals with mental illness.
Sincerely,
David Simpson
St. Thomas
Patient Advocate St.
Thomas Psychiatric Hospital
